Virtual Home / Edition #2 1st prize winners - Dongqi Chen and Yulun Liu

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st prize winners of our "Virtual Home / Edition #2" competition – Dongqi Chen and Yulun Liu from United States!

Dongqi Chen and Yulun Liu

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

We've worked as full-time architectural designers at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in Chicago. Our journey in architecture began when we completed our studies at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with a Master's in Architecture in 2022. Since then, we have been putting our design skills to work at SOM. Our days are filled with exciting projects where we get to imagine and create fantastic buildings and spaces that shape the look and feel of the city.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

Dongqi's professional experience has primarily focused on museums and high-rise towers, while Yulun has been working on airport design. With an interdisciplinary background, she holds a master's degree in structural engineering, which has led her to engage in research projects at SOM, such as 3D printed concrete and bio-block.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture is more than just creating designs; it's a journey of uncovering challenges, thoroughly investigating them, and presenting innovative solutions. Architects engage in a practice that involves addressing urgent problems and championing forward-thinking ideas to lead and inspire the community.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

For our team, architecture competitions are opportunities to push our limits and continuously enhance our design abilities. These events present us with distinctive and intricate design challenges that compel us to think outside the box and discover inventive solutions. Unlike real-life projects, competitions often offer more flexibility, allowing us greater creative liberty. This freedom fosters an environment where we can delve into unconventional concepts and collaborate to redefine the frontiers of design.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

When entering architecture competitions, we recommend starting by clarifying your objectives. Evaluate your dedication, select competitions thoughtfully, and seek mentorship for direction. If you're new to this, begin with smaller contests, manage your finances wisely, and actively engage in networking to build meaningful relationships. Remember, participation should always be seen as a learning opportunity, so periodically review your advancements and adjust your approach accordingly.